From laughing stock to champion CEC completes magical run with sweep of SHS-AC for historic CESAFI cage title

CEBU, Philippines - After several decades of antagonistic and notorious label they were known for as whipping boys and perennial doormat, the Cebu Eastern College (CEC) Dragons finally proved they are now the best high school team in the region after completing an unprecedented three-game sweep over the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles via a 91-81 decision to clinch the juniors crown of the 10th Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) basketball season last night at the Cebu Coliseum.

CEC, thus, completed what had been a magical run to etch a miletone that could never ne forgotten in school history.

"First of all, I would like to thank our school officials led by Frederick Ong, Jr., Jefferson Go among others, the coaching staff led by Jerry Jaranilla, and the last but not the least team manager Samuel Sia for their dedication and support. The humiliation that we got forced us to reinvent. We have made an unprecedented history in inter-school basketball in Cebu, and maybe in the entire country, from a lauching stock to champion," said Chester C. Cokaliong, one of CEC's most accomplished alumnus who is one of the striking force behind the Dragons' sudden transformation from perennial doormal to hardcourt powerhouse.

Nike Montalvo and James Neil Sumayang were unstoppable in almost all angles as they finished with 23 points each to spark the Dragons' much-vaunted offense.

Montalvo put up a good show in the fourth period, but was spoiled when he was whistled for an unsportsmanlike foul. That didn't prevent him from walking away with the MVP award though.

However, it was the 12 straight points by Johnmar Lou Regidor in the third period that have given a big impact for the Dragons, who were trailing most of the way in the first half and were down by two points at the bend, 42-44. Regidor then sparked a furious rally as they took a 71-56 lead going into the payoff period.

Benjamin James Zosa, who was sizzling at the three-point area, showed up in the first quarter then it was Sumayang who rose to the occasion during the next period.

The Magis Eagles, who looked good of staying in contention by leading all the way in the first half, were led by Bradley Bacaltos with 23 points. Adrian Roland Muller and Adven Jess Diputado had 13 points apiece and Franz Gabuya and Dawn Henric Ochea banged in 15 and 11 markers, respectively, albeit for a losing cause.

Earlier the Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras defeated the University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors, 63-59, to settled for third place in the collegiate division.

The scores

First game

SWU (63) - Pacquiao 11, Guillena 9, Ortuyo 8, Armecin 7, Wagas 5, Dadang 5, Diango 4, Litorja 4, Jalandoni 3, Maguate 3, Goloran 2, Pineda 2

USC (59) - Cortes 13, Hermosa 12, Padillo 10, Cantonao 9, Codilla 4, Panerio 1, Uy 1

Second game

CEC (91) - Montalvo 23, Sumayang 23, Zosa 20, Regidor 12, Villarias 9, Bauya 2, Nuevos 2

SHS-Ateneo (81) - Bacaltos 23, Gabuya 15, Muller 13, Diputado 13, Ochea 11, Cadavis 2, Saldo 2, Abbu 2. (FREEMAN)